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Johnny Hunt’s Church To Suspend His Role as Pastor Emeritus After Allegations of Sexual Abuse

“If you have a soul, you are naturally heartbroken,” Morton said on May 29. “When you hear these stories, something from deep inside view cries out, ‘Come quickly. Lord Jesus rescue your people from this broken world.’”

Morton then shifted his attention to the report‘s findings regarding FBCW’s pastor emeritus, Johnny Hunt. He said, “The report is deeply personal for us, because of a man we have known and loved and followed for years” was cited in the report.

“No one that loves pastor Johnny and has known him as long as we have could possibly read the contents of the allegations and not get physically sick or angry or disturbed or confused,” Morton expressed.

Explaining that Hunt “vehemently denied” any abuse or assault, Morton told the church, “Here’s what we know as the people of First Baptist Woodstock. God in heaven has perfect knowledge of the entire situation. God is holy and He alone, God, is capable of being the perfect judge, the gracious healer, [and] the able defender of all parties associated with these events.”

“God sees, God knows, [and] God has a plan. God can heal the wounds of women and victims in this case—in any case. God is able to deal with anyone, whether the accuser or the defender. God knows who is telling the complete truth, and no one anywhere has gotten away with anything yet,” Morton preached.

Morton made clear that none of the leadership at FBCW knew about Hunt’s sexual encounter with the pastor’s wife, apart from Roy Blankenship, who worked at the church in 2010 and was cited in the report.

The 40-year-old pastor shared that he is in a “very unusual place,” because the Scripture informs him to not “sharply rebuke an older man” but rather give him encouragement. Publicly thanking Hunt for the mentorship he provided over the years, Morton said, “I will always love pastor Johnny. I love his family…I do not want to lose fellowship with or friendship with Pastor Johnny based on his own public confession on Friday afternoon. I pray to be a part of whatever healing and restoration in his future that the Lord would grant us.”

Warning church members not to “immediately accept accusations against spiritual leaders,” Morton declared, “There must be a process of integrity that is guided by the local church so that we can be confident and rest assured God’s will is being done.”

“We absolutely, with all our hearts, desire what is best for all victims of abuse,” Morton said. “We desire what is best and care deeply about the mission of everyone involved, including first Baptist Woodstock. You have my word, with all my heart, that we will continue striving to prayerfully ensure best practices of safety and care for our church, specifically in regard to the well being of every child, every woman, and individuals…with special needs.”

Stating that sin can happen anytime because no one is perfect, Morton reiterated that everyone should expect integrity and care. Morton shared that he and the leaders of the church are working to adopt a standard for all staff and ministry team members that will provide preventative measures against abuse in their church.

“We intend to guard against the fall and the failure of our spiritual leaders before it ever has the chance to occur,” Morton said.

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